01/06/08 (UK):
DNA Testing Suspended Following Omagh Bombing Verdict
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Police forces across the UK have temporarily suspended low copy
DNA testing after the trial judge in the case of Sean Hoey heavily criticised
the techniques involved (see the judgment here - interesting reading for experts and lawyers alike).
The move comes as an urgent review gets under way into forthcoming court cases involving the testing technique following the Omagh bomb trial acquittal.
The Crown Prosecution Service in England and Wales said it was reviewing a number of cases where the Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA testing was involved.
A similar review was being made in Northern Ireland at the request of Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde.
The relatively new testing system - which enables the analysis of a small number of cells - was used on the timers for bombs used in Real IRA attacks and allegedly linked them to Omagh accused Sean Hoey.
However, the judge in the Hoey case decided it was not as yet at a sufficiently scientific level to be considered evidence. Sir Hugh said: "I have asked for an urgent review of all cases that rely in any way, shape or form on LCN DNA."
© X-Pro 2008
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